CAMP B/GEN OSCAR M. FLORENDO, La Union- The Police Regional Office 1 (PRO1) hosted over the weekend a pre-coordinating conference for the formation of an advocacy group for honest, orderly and peaceful elections (HOPE) in May 2010 at the Concorde building here.

The conferees were led by Archbishop Ernesto Salgado of the Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia in Vigan City and Bishop Artemio Rillera of the Diocese of San Fernando City. Also in attendance were lawyer Noli Pipo, Region 1 Election Director; Tagudin Mayor Roque Verzosa; four Region 1 provincial directors; representatives of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting; PRO1 key officers; and other stakeholders, including members of the tri-media.

In his opening remarks, Police Chief Supt. Constante D. Azares, Jr., Region 1 Police Director, emphasized the moral influence of the religious leaders, particularly the bishops, describing them as “our best allies in bringing peace and order in the upcoming political exercise.”

The conference centered on a proposal to invite local candidates to participate in a day-long spiritual recollection which shall be highlighted by a peace covenant signing.